“(Cain) has no right to put up barriers that prevent communication between the inhabitants of both countries,” the bishop said during Mass on Oct. 16 at the Cathedral of Juarez.

Bishop Ascencio is a member of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant People.

“If the intention is that the undocumented not be allowed to enter the United States, then they should preach by example and not allow Americans to come to Mexico without the proper documentation,” he added.

Mexican lawmakers should understand “that it is just as much a crime for them to enter the United States illegally as it is for (migrants) to enter our nation illegally,” Bishop Ascencio added.